Abstract
The authors of this paper start by reviewing the national scientific production on the topic of Opioid Substitution Programs (OSP) assessment. The review was based on the online editions’ consultation of the Toxicodependências Journal, as the only Portuguese journal specialized in the drugs field. An universe of 16 articles was selected and their analysis allowed to perceive that besides being scarce, the production of knowledge in this field tends to be moulded in a monitoring, rather than evaluation, format. Generally, their focus of attention falls less on the quality of services and more on indicators associated with socio demographic characteristics of people on treatment, and also in their evolution in some clinical parameters. Are thus deprecated important dimensions to take into account when evaluating OSP, in particular the perception of its users and the services’ level of coherence with Human Rights’ underlying principles. Taking this scenario into account, are herein problematized key issues for the improvement of OSP in Portugal. Are also object of reflection the bureaucratic barriers raised to research in this area, identified in research projects developed by APDES’ Research Department.
| Translated title of the contribution | Evaluation of opiate substitution programs in Portugal: notes for (a) reflection |
|---|---|
| Original language | Portuguese |
| Pages (from-to) | 48-57 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Revista Adictologia |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - May 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |